“It is too early to say whether this can be a Scudetto showdown,” Bianconeri defender Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia.

“We are only in Week 8 and there are other teams who cannot be ruled out after so few games. I find it absurd.

“It is true that a victory would send a signal to the whole of Serie A, both if Juve were to win and if Napoli got the result.

“At the same time, I think both teams are mature and experienced enough to keep their balance regardless of what happens.”

The two giants already did battle in recent months for the Coppa Italia Final and the Italian Super Cup, winning one each.

They are level on top of the table with 19 points each, already four in front of the chasing pack, and remain unbeaten this season in Serie A.

Juve have injury problems for this huge encounter, as Gigi Buffon and Mirko Vucinic are ruled out by thigh and flu problems respectively.

Assistant manager Angelo Alessio returns after his ban expired, but Coach Antonio Conte is still in the stands due to the betting scandal.

“Conte gave us back belief in ourselves and made us believe it was possible to dream. Above all, he taught us a great deal and in the last year everyone stepped up a notch in quality. That allowed us to win.”